School fees rise 40% in five years

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The average annual fee now stands at £10,239 compared to £9,627 last year, according to research by Halifax Financial Services.

The most rapid rise is in the South West, where the cost has gone up 48%, from £7,188 in 2003 to £10,671 in 2008. The slowest growth was in the West Midlands (30%).

But the South East remains the most expensive region in which to send a child to private school, with fees reaching £11,379, followed by greater London at £11,361 and the South West at £10,671.

At the other end, the most inexpensive fees are in the North at £8,361 - 27% lower than the South East.

The number of pupils attending private school rose by 5.6% between 2001.02 and 2006/07, compared to the state sector, which saw a 3.4% drop in students over the same period.

The survey found that workers in just 18 professions could now reasonably afford to educate their children privately.

Among those who can no longer afford to send their child to private school without financial assistance include vets, teachers and engineers.

Martin Ellis, Chief Economist at Halifax Financial Services, said: "Private school fees have increased by significantly more than inflation over the past five years. This has made it increasingly difficult for the average worker in many occupations to afford a private school education for their offspring.

"It has, therefore, become increasingly vital that parents plan their finances as early as possible if they want private schooling for their children."